2010 Census - BBB Says Be Cooperative But Cautious

The BBB warns that law enforcement, in several states have issued warnings that seammers are posing as Census Bureau employees and knocking on doors asking for donations & Social Security numbers.

"The scam artiste know the public needs to share information for the 2010 Census & will try to take advantage of the situation," said Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB serving Alaska, Western Washington, & Oregon. "Education about the Census process can help protect your identity" and finances."

Participating in the 2010 Census is required by law, but the public can learn how to identify legitimate Census workers & avoid con artists. BBB offers the following tips:

Avoid e-mail seams. Census workers may contact individuals by telephone, mail or in person at a home. However, they'll not solicit personal information by e-mail. Never click links or open attachments in an e-mail supposedly from the US Census Bureau. Forward fraudulent messages to the Census Bureau at itso fraud, reporting@cen sÂ«s, gov.

Know what questions to expect. The U.S. Census Bureau will ask questions concerning household residents including name, date of birth, gender, race, phone number, household relationship, & owner or renter status. The Census Bureau Web site says, mailed forms will be delivered to residences in March: to avoid a visit from a census worker, individuals are asked to answer the 10 questions & mail the form back in the provided postage-paid envelope. Note: in remote areas or Alaska, Census workers will visit door-to-door starting January 25th. Click here to preview the 2010 Census form & questions.

* Verify the Census worker's legitimacy. If a U.S. Census worker knocks at the door, ask to see their official government badge before answering any questions. According to the Census website. Census workers will never ask to enter a home. If unsure about their identity, contact the Regional Census Center in Seattle to confirm they are employed by the Census Bureau.

For more U.S. Census information visit www.20IO.census.gov. For additional advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org. About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon & Western Washington: Your Better Business Bureau is a not-for-profit organisation funded by Better Business Bureau Accredited Businesses. The BBS's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust For more information about the services & products provided by your BBB, call 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon, 907-562-0704, Alaska, or visit our website at www.bbb.org.

Copyright 2010 Southeast Alaska's Island News, Thorne Bay, Alaska. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

Original Publication Date: January 18, 2010

Copyright: Copyright 2010 Southeast Alaska&'s Island News, Thorne Bay, Alaska. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.